Can aircraft fly above an MAA?

Can aircraft fly above an MAA?

• A. Only with ATC clearance
• B. Only in emergency
• C. No, MAA strictly limits altitude
• D. Yes, RNAV makes this possible as it is non-ground based

Answer: (D)

MAA signifies the highest altitude permitted on a route segment when you’re relying on traditional ground-based navigation. Those limits exist because the segment’s obstacle clearance and VOR/DME signal coverage are tied to that nav method. RNAV changes the game because it uses satellite navigation and isn’t dependent on ground-based signals. On RNAV routes, the MAA cap tied to ground-based nav doesn’t apply in the same way, so you can fly above the published MAA as long as you’re cleared for the RNAV route and the airspace design allows it. The key takeaway is that altitude limits are linked to the navigation method, and RNAV can remove the constraint imposed by MAA.

MAA signifies the highest altitude permitted on a route segment when you’re relying on traditional ground-based navigation. Those limits exist because the segment’s obstacle clearance and VOR/DME signal coverage are tied to that nav method. RNAV changes the game because it uses satellite navigation and isn’t dependent on ground-based signals. On RNAV routes, the MAA cap tied to ground-based nav doesn’t apply in the same way, so you can fly above the published MAA as long as you’re cleared for the RNAV route and the airspace design allows it. The key takeaway is that altitude limits are linked to the navigation method, and RNAV can remove the constraint imposed by MAA.